Four Tips to Lead with Trust

“The best way to learn if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” —
Ernest Hemingway

Trust – it seems to be featured more than ever in today’s headlines. Whether you’re a politician, an entertainer, or a leader, knowing how to earn trust is crucial to gaining respect and leading effectively. Simply put, you won’t succeed if you aren’t trusted. That’s because trust is the foundation of every good relationship.

As a leader, you need the trust of your team to build engagement and drive performance. Do not assume that your employees automatically trust you. Even though you may be working hard to earn their trust, not until they are willing, will they grant you their trust.

Check out these four practical tips to build and reinforce trust with your teams:

1. Lead by Example

When leaders say one thing, but do another, they erode trust. If you want to build trust within your team, start by demonstrating the behaviors that will result in respect, trust and dignity. Always remember, your team members watch and take cues from you, so take the opportunity to show them what trust in others really looks like. For example, if you say teamwork is important, “walk the talk” by collaborating across teams and functions in your company when developing solutions.

2. Be Transparent

Proactively share information that helps your employees do their jobs and disclose your personal feelings and opinions on topics. Even when it’s difficult, tell the truth – don’t just say what you think people want to hear. Part of being transparent involves having the integrity to tell the truth, even if it means you may be the bearer of bad news. “If you can’t tell people the hard stuff, they won’t trust you,” says David DeSteno, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University and the author of The Truth About Trust.

3. Show Support and Confidence

Show support and understanding for your team members. Ask for help and encourage involvement. Acknowledge it’s okay if mistakes are made, including your own. When you and your leaders acknowledge mistakes, employees see you as credible and will follow your lead.

4. Foster Authentic Communication

Listen with respect and respond with empathy. Trust grows out of the belief that you understand and can relate to the other person. Encourage employees to share information and express their viewpoints and consider their ideas with an open mind. The most important part about communicating authentically is to place the emphasis on the person you are communicating with, not on yourself.

In the end, whether we like it or not, trust is a crucial part of our day-to-day. But keep in mind, trust doesn’t occur overnight – it’s granted over time. That’s why it’s important to make establishing trust a learning priority for your business, leadership and yourself.

Contact Verve Consulting Group to design and deliver leadership programs to help you build a culture of trust within your organization. Verve Consulting Group: Your leadership and organization effectiveness partner

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